Arc Thrift Exceptional Scholars Award

The $10,000 Arc Thrift Exceptional Scholars Award was established in 2021 to support aspiring post-secondary students who have chosen a career path focused on advancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Applicants must currently be attending or will be attending a Colorado institution of higher learning within the next year to be eligible. Because we are invested in Scholar success, Arc Scholars will also receive career mentorship and peer support from arc Thrift Stores for the duration of their award.
Applications are due by August 7, 2021. The 2021 Arc Scholar will be notified no later than August 31, 2021.
To be eligible, the applicant must:
• Be a Colorado resident (defined as residency of two years or greater)
• Have attained at least 11th grade standing in high school
• Is, will be, or is currently attending a Colorado institution of higher learning
• Have selected a career path that will advance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Can commit to a mentorship opportunity for the duration of their award
The most competitive applicants will:
• Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with exemptions made for those who demonstrate exceptional potential
• Have a letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, or community leader that affirms their potential and sincere commitment to advancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Have already demonstrated leadership in their commitment to helping others, either through advocacy for people with disabilities or by serving other disadvantaged populations